Stones/Storytelling(spirituality)

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Written by: Healthysport

Created: 14 January 2025

Last Updated: 14 January 2025

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Acts 15:36-41

36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas

The story of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41 serves as a poignant reminder that even the most faithful among us experience disagreements. This narrative does not diminish their devotion; rather, it highlights their humanity.

Paul suggests revisiting the towns where they had preached, eager to strengthen the believers. Barnabas agrees but insists on bringing John Mark along. Paul objects, pointing out Mark’s earlier desertion in Pamphylia. The disagreement becomes so sharp that the two part ways. Barnabas, ever the encourager, takes Mark to Cyprus, while Paul, entrusted to the Lord’s grace, chooses Silas and heads to Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the churches.

This divergence birthed two distinct missions. God’s work continued, proving that even differences can serve His purposes. It’s a reminder that our disagreements, though painful, need not halt progress.

Reflections on Social Media and Storytelling

As I reflect on this biblical narrative, I’m reminded of my own experiences, especially in the era of social media. Having retired, I find myself reevaluating the slices of my life that I once eagerly shared online. Social media is like a highlight reel—a fragmented depiction of reality. Each post, each photo, is a snippet, a slice of my existence, but never the full story.

In my earlier years, I often woke up with anxiety—a residual habit from decades of work and constant crisis management. Now, though my mornings are quieter, that old feeling of unease lingers. I scroll through Facebook, out of habit more than interest, and I’ve stopped posting. It feels intrusive, as if forcing others to watch a reality show they didn’t sign up for. Besides, at my age, who’s truly watching? And do I even want them to?

Social media encourages us to curate an image, a virtual avatar that may not represent who we really are. These platforms profit from our shared moments, turning our data into their treasure trove. But what do we gain in return? Fleeting likes? Superficial recognition? A false sense of reinvention?

The Value of Storytelling

Lately, I’ve turned back to writing—to blogging—to tell my story on my terms. Writing offers what social media cannot: a fuller dimension of life. It’s not just a highlight or a curated moment but a narrative, complete with emotions, lessons, and nuances. Unlike social media’s ephemeral snapshots, storytelling captures the linear progression of time, the space-time of one’s existence.

For example, a social media reel might show a snapshot of my day, but it won’t capture the fullness of yesterday—how I adjusted my new Seiko watch, read a few more pages of a book, or simply embraced the joy of sleeping in. These moments seem mundane, but they form the fabric of my life. By narrating them, I preserve more than just data; I preserve meaning.

Data: The New Currency

Social media platforms thrive on data—our photos, likes, preferences, and interactions. They mine it, analyze it, and monetize it. Data has become more valuable than money. Companies leverage it to predict trends, tailor ads, and create algorithms that keep us engaged. But this transactional nature of data extraction comes at a cost. Are we just becoming numbers in a database?

While I acknowledge the utility of data in areas like healthcare—where anonymous records can guide better treatments—I’m wary of its misuse. The profit-driven goals of corporations often overshadow altruistic purposes. The relentless pursuit of profit turns people into commodities, reducing human lives to mere statistics.

Nostalgia and the Value of Connection

I miss the tangible experiences of the past. Bookstores like Borders, where I could lose myself in a sea of books, sipping coffee by the riverside, were sanctuaries of connection. Today, those spaces are rare, replaced by online stores and virtual interactions. The convenience is undeniable, but it’s hard to ignore the isolation it fosters.

Even as we gather physically, we are often mentally elsewhere—immersed in our smartphones, engaging with virtual worlds. This fragmentation of attention makes me wonder about missed opportunities and unspoken stories. What have we lost by living in the Matrix-like world of social media?

The Road Forward

Like Paul and Barnabas, I’ve had to part ways with certain habits and mindsets. I’ve chosen to prioritize storytelling—to write about my experiences, ideas, and reflections in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. This is my way of reclaiming my narrative from the algorithms and platforms that seek to monetize it.

When future generations stumble upon my stories, they won’t just see data points. They’ll encounter a person who lived, reflected, and sought to understand the world. And perhaps that is the greatest legacy we can leave behind—not just a trail of likes and shares but a story worth telling.